DE112012004612B4 - Rotating separator with housing to prevent entrainment of separated liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotary separator (320) for separating liquid from a fluid mixture, the rotary separator (320) comprising: a separator assembly (322) having a housing (324), and an annular rotary separator filter element (326) rotating about an axis (328 ) rotating extending along an axial direction in the housing (324), the annular rotating separator filter element (326) having an inner periphery (330) defining a hollow interior (332) and an outer periphery (334), the The housing (324) has a sidewall (336) with an inner surface (338) facing the outer periphery (334) of the annular rotary separator filter element (326) and along a radial direction radially outward of the annular rotary separator filter element (326) through an air space (342) spaced therebetween, the housing (324) having an inlet (378) for supplying the mixture to the hollow interior (332), the housing (324) having an outlet (374) for discharging a separated component of the mixture from the headspace (342), the housing (342) having a drain (370) discharging separated liquid from the headspace (342) with the direction of flow through the annular rotating separator filter element (326) from inside to outside of the hollow interior (332) through the annular rotating separator filter element (326) to the air plenum (342), the air plenum (342) being one or more flow path separation guides (350) which minimizes the flow of separated liquid to the outlet, the one or more flow separating guides (350) comprising one or more fins (352) extending from the inner surface (338) of the side wall (336, 336a) of the housing (324) into the air space (342), wherein the one or more fins (352) in the flow path of the liquid exiting the annular rotating separator filter element (326), ge wherein each of the one or more fins (352) has a distal tip end (366) in the air space (342) pointing in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the annular rotary separator filter element (326).

Description

A rotary separator has a housing to prevent entrainment of separated liquid. An air space between the annular rotating separator filter element and the housing sidewall has one or more flow path separation guides that minimize the flow of separated liquid to the outlet. The flow path guides may include one or more fins and/or vortex flow dampeners and/or a configured surface.

Cross reference to related applications

The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/664,025 (US 2013 / 0 056 407 A1) and the preliminary one U.S. Patent Application No. 61/555,529 , filed November 4, 2011. The former application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. 12/969,742 , filed December 16, 2010, and US patent application no. 12/969,755 , filed December 16, 2010. Applications 742 and 755 claim the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/298,630 , filed January 27, 2010, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/298,635 , filed January 27, 2010, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/359,192 , filed June 28, 2010, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/383,787 , filed September 17, 2010, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/383,790 , filed September 17, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/383,793 , filed September 17, 2010.

Background and Summary Parent Applications

The cited parent '742 and '755 applications relate to internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation precipitators, particularly mist eliminators. Separators for crankcase ventilation of internal combustion engines are known in the prior art. One type of separator uses inertial impaction for air-oil separation to remove oil particles from crankcase blowby gas or aerosol by accelerating the blowby gas flow to high velocities through nozzles or orifices and directing it against an impactor, causing a sharp change in direction takes place, which leads to oil separation. Another type of separator uses coalescence in a coalescing filter to remove oil droplets. The inventions of the parent '742 and '755 applications arose in the advancement of the noted air-oil separation technology, namely the removal of oil from the crankcase blow-by gas flow by coalescence using a coalescing filter.

U.S. 2011/0 252 974 A1 discloses a gas-liquid rotary coalescer that includes a powered annular rotary coalescing filter element.

U.S. 5,564,401A discloses a closed crankcase emission control assembly for an internal combustion engine that includes a pressure control assembly, a filter, and an oil drain check valve in a single compact unit.

U.S. 2007/0 163 215 A1 discloses a centrifugal separator device for separating solid and/or liquid particles suspended in gaseous media, which device comprises a rotor provided with sedimentation elements, which is rotatably mounted in a surrounding stationary housing.

WO 2011/005 160 A1 discloses a centrifugal separator for cleaning a gaseous fluid.

WO 2009/005 355 A1 discloses a plate-type rotary separator for separating one or more components from a feed stream.

U.S. 2008/0 250 772 A1 discloses a device for separating liquids from gases with a pre-separator, which separates a raw gas area from a pre-separator gas area, a main separator with a coalescing element for enlarging liquid droplets, and a post-separator.

U.S. 2001/0 012 814 A1 discloses a centrifugal filter assembly for filtering particles from a fluid medium including a non-rotating filter housing.

Present registration

The present disclosure arose from the advancement of separating liquid from a liquid mixture, including the technology mentioned above, and including a rotating separator for separating liquid from a liquid mixture, including air-oil and other liquid-fluid mixtures.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a housing for an annular rotary separator filter element, wherein the Housing prevents entrainment of the separated liquid.

character list

• 1 - 21 are referenced in parent US application Ser. No. 12/969,742.
• 1 Figure 12 is a sectional view of a coalescing filter assembly;
• 2 Figure 12 is a sectional view of another coalescer filter assembly;
• 3 shows another embodiment for a drive mechanism;
• 4 Figure 12 is a sectional view of another coalescer filter assembly;
• 5 FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the operation of the arrangement of FIG 4 ;
• 6 Fig. 12 is a schematic system diagram of an engine intake system;
• 7 Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a control option for the system 6 ;
• 8th Fig. 12 is a flow chart of an operator control for the system 6 ;
• 9 resembles 8th and shows another embodiment;
• 10 Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view of a coalescer filter assembly;
• 11 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG 10 ;
• 12 Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view of a coalescer filter assembly;
• 13 Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view of a coalescer filter assembly;
• 14 Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view of a coalescer filter assembly;
• 15 Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view of a coalescer filter assembly;
• 16 Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view of a coalescer filter assembly;
• 17 Figure 12 is a schematic view of a coalescer filter assembly;
• 18 Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view of a coalescer filter assembly;
• 19 Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a control system;
• 20 Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a control system;
• 21 Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a control system.

Present registration

• 22 is a sectional view in the side of 1 who like a similar construction 1 1, but modified in accordance with the present disclosure;
• 23 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG 22 ;
• 24 is a view like a part out 14 ;
• 25 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG 24 ;
• 26 FIG. 14 is a perspective view of part of the sidewall construction of FIG 22 , showing an alternative embodiment;
• 27 resembles 26 and shows another embodiment;
• 28 resembles 24 and shows another embodiment;
• 29 resembles 24 and shows another embodiment;
• 30 resembles 24 and shows another embodiment.

Detailed description

Root Applications

The following description of 1 - 21 is derived from co-pending parent U.S. application no. 12/969,742 , filed December 16, 2010, by the same assignee, which shares a specification with co-pending U.S. parent application no. 12/969,755 , filed December 16, 2010, of the same owner.

1 FIG. 1 shows a rotary mist eliminator 20 for an internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation that separates air from oil in the blow-by gas 22 of the engine crankcase 24. FIG. A coalescing filter assembly 26 includes an annular rotating coalescing filter element 28 having an inner periphery 30 defining a hollow interior 32 and an outer periphery 34 defining an outer surface 36 . An intake port 38 supplies blowby gas 22 from the crankcase 24 to the hollow interior 32 as shown by arrows 40 . An exhaust port 42 delivers cleaned separated air from the noted outer zone 36 as seen at arrows 44 . The direction of flow of the blow-by gas is from the inside out, ie, radially outward from the hollow interior 32 to the exterior 36 as seen at arrows 46 . Oil in the blow-by gas is forced radially outward from the inner periphery 30 by centrifugal force to clog the coalescing filter lements 28 to reduce by sitting on the inner circumference 30 oil. This also opens up more room to flow through the coalescing filter element, reducing restriction and pressure drop. Centrifugal force drives oil radially outwardly from the inner circumference 30 to the outer circumference 34 to open a larger volume of the coalescing filter element 28 to flow and thus increase the coalescing capacity. Separated oil flows off the outer circumference 34 . The drain opening 48 communicates with the exterior 36 and drains separated oil from the outer periphery 34 as seen at arrow 50, which oil can then be returned from the drain 54 back to the engine crankcase as seen at arrow 52 is.

Centrifugal force pumps blow-by gas from the crankcase to the hollow interior 32. The pumping of blow-by gas from the crankcase to the hollow interior 32 increases as the rotational speed of the coalescing filter element 28 increases. The increased pumping of blow-by gas 22 from the crankcase 24 to the hollow interior 32 reduces restriction across the coalescing filter element 28. In one embodiment, a set of vanes may be provided in the hollow interior 32, as shown by dashed line 56 , which amplifies the pumping mentioned. The aforementioned centrifugal force creates a negative pressure zone within the hollow interior 32 which draws blow-by gas 22 from the crankcase 24.

In one embodiment, the coalescing filter element 28 is attached by a mechanical connection to a component of the engine, e.g. B. the axially extending shaft 58, which is connected to a gear or drive wheel of the engine, driven in rotation. In another embodiment, the coalescing filter element 28 is driven by a fluid motor, e.g. B. a Pelton wheel or a turbine drive wheel 60 is driven in rotation, 2 , which is driven by pumped pressurized oil from the engine oil pump 62 and returns it to the engine crankcase sump 64 . 2 uses the same reference numbers as where applicable for better understanding 1 . Separated cleaned air is routed through pressure responsive valve 66 to outlet 68 which is a different outlet than that at 42 in 1 . In another embodiment, the coalescing filter element 28 is driven by an electric motor 70, 3 , with an output rotary shaft 72 connected to the shaft 58, driven for rotation. In another embodiment, the coalescing filter element 28 is rotationally driven by magnetic connection to a component of the engine. 4 , 5 . A motor driven rotary gearbox 74 has a plurality of magnets such as 76 spaced about its circumference and are magnetically connected to a plurality of magnets 78 spaced about the inner circumference 30 of the coalescing filter element, so that a gear or drive wheel 74 rotates, the magnets 76 pass, 5 , and magnetically couple to magnet 78 to, in turn, rotate the coalescing filter element as the driven element. In 4 Separated cleaned air flows from outer zone 36 through duct 80 to outlet 82, which is a different cleaned air outlet than that at 42 in 1 shown. The arrangement off 5 provides an upshift effect for rotating the coalescing filter assembly at a greater rotational speed (higher angular velocity) than the gear or drive wheel 74, eg, when it is desired to provide a higher rotational speed of the coalescing filter element.

The pressure drop across the coalescing filter element 28 decreases with increasing rotational speed of the coalescing filter element. The oil saturation of the coalescing filter element 28 decreases with increasing rotational speed of the coalescing filter element. Oil drains from the outer periphery 34 and the amount of oil drained increases as the rotational speed of the coalescing filter element 28 increases. The oil particle settling velocity in the coalescing filter element 28 acts in the same direction as the direction of air flow through the coalescing filter element. The same direction mentioned enhances the capture and coalescence of oil particles by the coalescing filter element.

The system provides a method of separating air from oil in an internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation blow-by gas by introducing a G-force into the coalescing filter element 28 to induce increased gravity settling in the coalescing filter element to promote particulate entrapment and coalescence of submicron oil particles through the coalescing filter element. The method includes providing an annular coalescing filter element 28, rotating the coalescing filter element, and providing an inside-out flow through the rotating coalescing filter element.

The system provides a method for reducing crankcase pressure in a crankcase of an internal combustion engine that produces blow-by gas. The method includes providing a crankcase ventilation system having a coalescing filter element 28 that separates oil from air in the blow-by gas of the coalescing filter element as an annular element having a hollow interior 32, supplying blow-by gas to the hollow interior and rotating the coalescing filter element to pump blow-by gas out of the crankcase 24 and into the hollow interior 32 by centrifugal force, thereby causing the blow-by Gas is forced to flow radially outward through the coalescing filter element 28, as seen at arrows 46, causing this pumping to result in reduced crankcase 24 pressure.

One type of internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation system provides open crankcase ventilation (OCV) wherein the cleaned air separated from the blow-by gas is vented to the atmosphere. Another type of internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation system includes a closed crankcase ventilation (CCV) wherein the cleaned air separated from the blow-by gas is returned to the engine, e.g. B. is returned to the internal combustion engine intake system to be mixed with the incoming combustion air supplied to the engine.

6 FIG. 1 shows a closed crankcase ventilation (CCV) system 100 for an internal combustion engine 102 that generates blow-by gas 104 in a crankcase 106. FIG. The system includes an air intake line 108 which supplies combustion air to the engine and a recirculation line 110 having a first segment 112 which carries the blow-by gas from the crankcase to the air-oil mist separator 114 for cleaning the blow-by gas by coalescing oil therefrom and discharges cleaned air at exit 116, which is outlet 42 from 1 , 68 out 2 , 82 out 4 can act. The recirculation line 110 includes a second segment 118 which carries the cleaned air from the mist eliminator 114 to the air intake line 108 for mixing with the combustion air supplied to the engine. The eliminator 114 is variably controlled according to a given condition of the engine, as will be described.

The eliminator 114 has a variable efficiency that is variably controlled according to a given condition of the engine. In one embodiment, the eliminator 114 is a rotating eliminator as above, and the speed of rotation of the eliminator is varied for a given condition of the engine. In one embodiment, the given condition is engine speed. In another embodiment, the droplet separator is driven by an electric motor, e.g. B. 70, 3 . In one embodiment, the electric motor is a variable speed electric motor for varying the speed of rotation of the mist eliminator. In another embodiment, the droplet separator is hydraulically driven in rotation, e.g. B. 2 . In one embodiment, the speed of rotation of the mist eliminator is varied hydraulically. In this embodiment, the engine oil pump 62, 2 , 7 , pressurized oil through a plurality of parallel isolation valves such as 120, 122, 124 controlled by the engine electronic control unit (ECM) 126 between closed and open or partially open conditions to flow through respective parallel ports or nozzles 128, 130, 132 to controllably increase or decrease the amount of pressurized oil supplied to the pelton or turbine wheel 60, and thereby in turn controllably vary the rotational speed of the shaft 58 and coalescing filter element 28.

In one embodiment, a turbocharger system 140, 6 , provided for the internal combustion engine 102, which generates blow-by gas 104 in the crankcase 106. The system includes the noted air intake manifold 108 having a first segment 142 supplying combustion air to a turbocharger 144 and a second segment 146 supplying turbocharged combustion air from the turbocharger 144 to the engine 102 . The recirculation line 110 includes the noted first segment 112 which carries the blow-by gas 104 from the crankcase 106 to the air-oil mist separator 114 for cleaning the blow-by gas by coalescing oil therefrom and the cleaned air at 116 gives. The recirculation duct includes the noted second segment 118 which carries cleaned air from the mist eliminator 114 to the first segment 142 of the air intake duct 108 to combine with the combustion air supplied to the turbocharger 144 . The mist separator 114 is variably controlled based on a given condition of at least one of the turbocharger 144 and the engine 102 . In one embodiment, the given condition is a condition of the turbocharger. In another embodiment, the mist eliminator is a rotating mist eliminator as above and the speed of rotation of the mist eliminator is varied depending on the efficiency of the turbocharger. In another embodiment, the speed of rotation of the mist separator is varied depending on the boost pressure of the turbocharger. In another embodiment, the speed of rotation of the mist eliminator is varied depending on the boost pressure ratio of the turbocharger, ie the ratio of the pressure at the turbocharger outlet to the pressure at the turbocharger inlet. In another embodiment, the droplet separator is driven in rotation by an electric motor, e.g. B. 70, 3 . In another embodiment, the electric motor is a variable speed electric motor to vary the Rotational speed of the droplet eliminator. In another embodiment, the droplet separator is hydraulically driven in rotation, 2 . In another embodiment, the speed of rotation of the droplet separator is varied hydraulically, 7 .

The system provides a method for improving turbocharger efficiency in a turbocharger system 140 for an internal combustion engine 102 that produces blowby gas 104 in a crankcase 106, the system including an air intake manifold 108 having a first segment 142 that supplies combustion air to a turbocharger 144 leads, and a second segment 146, which leads turbocharged combustion air from the turbocharger 144 to the engine 102, and a recirculation line 110 having a first segment 112, which leads the blow-by gas 104 to the air-oil mist separator 114 to the blow-by to clean gas by coalescing oil therefrom, and releasing cleaned air at 116, the recirculation duct having a second segment 118 which carries the cleaned air from the mist eliminator 114 to the first segment 142 of the air intake duct for induction with the turbocharger 144 to combine supplied combustion air. The method includes variably controlling the mist eliminator 114 based on a given condition of at least one of the turbocharger 144 and/or the engine 102. One embodiment variably controls the mist eliminator 114 based on a given condition of the turbocharger 144. Another embodiment provides the mist eliminator as a rotating mist eliminator, as above, and varies the speed of rotation of the eliminator according to the turbocharger efficiency. Another method varies the rotational speed of the mist eliminator 114 depending on the boost pressure of the turbocharger. Another embodiment varies the speed of rotation of the mist eliminator 114 depending on the boost pressure ratio of the turbocharger, i. H. the ratio of the pressure at the turbocharger outlet to the pressure at the turbocharger inlet.

8th Figure 12 shows a control scheme for implementing closed crankcase ventilation (CCV). In step 160, the turbocharger efficiency is monitored and if the turbocharger efficiency is good, as determined in step 162, the rotational speed of the coalescing filter element is reduced in step 164. If the turbocharger efficiency is not good, the engine duty cycle is checked in step 166 and if the engine duty cycle is high performing, the rotor speed is increased in step 168 and if the engine duty cycle is not high performing no action is taken as in step 170 you can see.

9 12 shows a control scheme for implementing open crankcase ventilation (OCV). Crankcase pressure is monitored in step 172 and if OK as determined in step 174 rotor speed is reduced in step 176 and if not OK ambient temperature is checked in step 178 and if below 0° C, in step 180 the rotor speed is increased to a maximum to increase warm gas pumping and increase oil-water sling. If the ambient temperature is below 0°C, the engine idle is checked in step 182 and if the engine is idling, in step 184 the rotor speed is increased and maintained, and if the engine is not idling, in step 186 the rotor speed is increased increased to a maximum for five minutes.

The flow path through the coalescing filter assembly is from upstream to downstream, e.g. Am 1 from the inlet port 38 to the outlet port 42, e.g. Am 2 from the inlet port 38 to the outlet port 68, e.g. Am 10 from inlet port 190 to outlet port 192. In 10 a combination of a rotating disc separator 194 positioned in the flow path and separating air from oil in the blow-by gas is also provided. Disc separators are known in the prior art. The direction of flow of blow-by gas through the rotating disc separator is from the inside out as shown at arrows 196. 10 - 12 . The rotating disk separator 194 is located upstream of the rotating coalescing filter element 198. The rotating disk separator 194 is located in the hollow interior 200 of the rotating coalescing filter element 198. In FIG 12 An annular shroud 202 is provided within the hollow interior 200 and is disposed radially between the rotating disc separator 194 and the rotating coalescing filter element 198 such that the shroud 202 is downstream of the rotating disc separator 194 and upstream of the rotating coalescing filter element 198 and such that the shroud 202 provides a collection and drainage surface 204 along which separated oil drains after separation by the disc separator, the oil draining as droplets 206 through the drain hole 208 as shown and then combining with the oil separated by the mist separator 198, as shown at 210 and drains through the main drain 212.

13 Figure 12 shows another embodiment and uses like reference numerals from above where applicable to facilitate understanding. The rotating disc separator 214 is downstream of the rotating coalescing filter element 198. The direction of flow through the rotating disc separator 214 is from the inside out. The rotating disc separator 214 is disposed radially outward of and surrounds the rotating coalescing filter element 198 .

14 Figure 12 shows another embodiment and uses like reference numerals from above where applicable to facilitate understanding. The rotating disc separator 216 is located downstream of the rotating coalescing filter element 198 . The direction of flow through the rotating disc separator 216 is from the outside in as shown at the arrows 218 . The rotating coalescing filter element 198 and the rotating disc separator 216 rotate about a common axis 220 and are arranged axially side-by-side. Blow-by gas flows radially outward through the rotating coalescing filter element 198 as shown by arrows 222 and then axially as seen at arrows 224 to the rotating disc separator 216, then radially inward as shown by arrows 218. by the rotating disk separator 216.

15 Figure 12 shows another embodiment and uses like reference numerals from above where applicable to facilitate understanding. A second annular rotating filter element 230 is provided in the noted flow path from inlet 190 to outlet 192 and separates air from oil in the blow-by gas. The direction of flow through the second rotating coalescing filter element 230 is outside-in as seen at arrow 232 . The second rotating coalescing filter element 230 is located downstream of the first rotating coalescing filter element 198. The first and second rotating coalescing filter elements 198 and 230 rotate about a common axis 234 and are axially juxtaposed. Blow-by gas flows radially outward, as seen at arrow 222, through the first rotating coalescing filter element 198, then axially, as shown by arrow 236, to the second rotating coalescing filter element 230, then radially inward, as at arrow 232 to can be seen, through the second rotating coalescing filter element 230.

In various embodiments, the rotating disc separator may be perforated with a plurality of drainage holes, e.g. B. 238, 13 , allowing drainage of separated oil through it.

16 Figure 12 shows another embodiment and uses like reference numerals from above where applicable to facilitate understanding. An annular shroud 240 is provided along the outer surface 242 of the rotating coalescing filter element 198 and radially outwardly and downstream thereof such that the shroud 240 provides a collection and drainage surface 244 along which separated oil, as shown at the droplets 246, downstream Coalescing through the rotating coalescing filter element 198 takes place. The shroud 240 is a rotating shroud and may be part of the filter frame or end cap 248 . The shroud 240 orbits the rotating coalescing filter element 198 and rotates about a common axis 250 therewith. The shroud 240 is conical and tapers along a conical taper relative to the noted axis. The shroud 240 has an inner surface at 244 that faces radially toward the rotating coalescing filter element 198 and is spaced therefrom by a radial gap 252 that increases as the shroud extends axially downwardly and along the noted conical taper. The inner surface 244 may include ribs, such as 254, 17 , spaced circumferentially about them and extending axially and along the noted conical taper and facing the rotating coalescing filter element 198 and providing channel-shaped drainage paths such as 256 which direct the flow of the separated oil on them and allow it to drain . The inner surface 244 extends axially downward along the noted conical taper from a first upper axial end 258 to a second lower axial end 260. The second axial end 260 is radially spaced from the rotating coalescing filter element 198 by a radial gap greater than is the radial distance of the first axial end 258 from the rotating coalescing filter element 198. In another embodiment, the second axial end 260 has a scalloped lower edge 262 which also targets and directs the drainage of oil.

18 Figure 12 shows another embodiment and uses like reference numerals from above where applicable to facilitate understanding. Instead of the lower inlet 190, 13 - 15 An upper inlet port 270 is provided and a pair of possible or alternative outlet ports are shown at 272 and 274 . Oil drainage through drain 212 may be provided via a one-way check valve such as 276 to drain hose 278 for return to the engine crankcase, as above.

As mentioned above, the mist eliminator can be variably controlled according to a given condition, which may be a given condition of at least one of the engine, at least the turbocharger and/or at least the mist eliminator. In one embodiment, the given condition mentioned is a given condition of the engine as mentioned above. In another embodiment, the given state is a given condition of the turbocharger, as mentioned above. In another embodiment, the given condition is a given condition of the mist eliminator. In one version of this embodiment, the given condition mentioned is a pressure drop across the mist eliminator. In a version of this embodiment, the mist eliminator is a rotating mist eliminator, as above, and is driven at a higher rotational speed when the pressure drop across the mist eliminator is above a certain threshold, to avoid oil accumulation on the mist eliminator, e.g. along the inner periphery thereof in said hollow interior, and to reduce said pressure drop. 19 Figure 12 shows a control scheme wherein the pressure drop, dP, across the rotary eliminator is sensed and monitored by the engine control unit (ECM) in step 290, and then in step 292 it is determined whether dP is above a specified value at low engine speed and if no, the eliminator rotation speed is kept the same in step 294 and if dP is above a certain value then the eliminator is rotated at a higher speed in step 296 until dP decreases to a certain point. Said given condition is a pressure drop across the mist eliminator and said predetermined threshold is a predetermined pressure drop threshold.

In another embodiment, the mist eliminator is an intermittently rotating mist eliminator with two modes of operation and is in a first mode of operation when a given condition is below a predetermined threshold and in a second rotating mode when the given condition is above the predetermined threshold. on request with hysteresis. The first steady-state mode provides power efficiency and a reduction in parasitic power loss. The second spin mode provides enhanced separation efficiency to remove oil from air in the blowby gas. In one embodiment, the given condition is engine speed and the predetermined threshold is a predetermined threshold of engine speed. In another embodiment, the given condition is a pressure drop across the eliminator and the predetermined threshold is a predetermined pressure drop threshold. In another embodiment, the given condition is turbocharger efficiency and the predetermined threshold is a predetermined turbocharger efficiency threshold. In another version, the given condition is turbocharger boost and the predetermined threshold is a predetermined turbocharger boost threshold. In another version, the given condition is the turbocharger boost pressure ratio and the predetermined threshold is a predetermined threshold for the turbocharger boost pressure ratio, where as mentioned above the turbocharger boost pressure ratio is the ratio of the pressure at the turbocharger outlet to the pressure at the turbocharger inlet. 20 Fig. 12 shows a control scheme for an electric version, wherein the engine RPM or the pressure drop across the mist eliminator is sensed in step 298 and monitored by the ECM in step 300, and if in step 302 the RPM or pressure is above a threshold value, is eliminator rotation is initiated in step 304 and if the RPM or pressure is not above the threshold, the eliminator remains in steady state mode in step 306 . 21 Figure 12 shows a mechanical version and uses like reference numerals from above where applicable for ease of understanding. A check valve, spring or other mechanical component senses the RPM or pressure at step 308 and the decision process occurs at steps 302, 304, 306 as above.

The mentioned method for improving the turbocharger efficiency comprises the variable control of the mist eliminator according to a given condition of at least one of the turbocharger, the engine and the mist eliminator. One embodiment variably controls the mist eliminator based on a given condition of the turbocharger. In one version the mist eliminator is provided as a rotating mist eliminator and the method comprises varying the rotational speed of the mist eliminator depending on turbocharger efficiency, and in another embodiment depending on turbocharger boost pressure and in another embodiment depending on turbocharger boost pressure ratio, as mentioned above . Another embodiment controls the mist eliminator variably according to a given condition of the engine, and in another embodiment according to engine speed. In a further version the mist eliminator is provided as a rotating mist eliminator and the method comprises varying the speed of rotation of the mist eliminator depending on engine speed. A further embodiment controls the droplet eliminator variably according to a given condition of the droplet eliminator and in another version according to the pressure drop across the droplet eliminator. In another version, the mist eliminator is provided as a rotating mist eliminator and the method includes varying the speed of rotation of the mist eliminator depending on the pressure drop across the mist eliminator. Another embodiment involves rotating the eliminator intermittently so that it has two modes of operation, including a first stationary mode and a second rotating mode as above.

A further development of the above technology, including a magnetically driven rotary eliminator and a keyed drive rotary mist eliminator, is disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. 13/167,814 , filed June 24, 2011, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13/167,820 , filed June 24, 2011, by the same owner.

Present registration

22 shows a rotating droplet separator 320 for separating liquid from a fluid mixture. The mist separator assembly 322 includes a housing 324 and an annular rotating separator filter element 326, such as element 28 above, that rotates about an axis 328 that rotates along an axial direction (to the side in 22 ) extends into the housing. The annular rotating separator filter element 326 has an inner periphery 330 defining a hollow interior 332 and an outer periphery 334 . The housing has a sidewall 336 with an inner surface 338 facing the outer periphery 334 of the annular rotary separator filter element 326 and spaced along a radial direction 340 radially outward of the annular rotary separator filter element by an air space 342 therebetween. The housing has an inlet, such as 38 in 1 for supplying the fluid mixture to the hollow interior 332, similar to arrows 40 in 1 shown where the mixture is fed to the hollow interior 32 . The housing has an outlet, such as 42 in 1 on, to release a separated component of the mixture from the air space 342, comparable to that indicated by the arrows 44 in 1 shown, from the air space 36. The housing has a drain, such as 54 in 1 , for discharge of separated liquid from the headspace, comparable to that indicated by arrows 50, 52 in 1 will be shown. The direction of flow through the annular rotary separator filter element is from the inside out as shown by arrow 340, from the hollow interior 332 through the annular rotary separator filter element 326 to the air plenum 342. The separator filter element 326 is controlled, for example, by the axially extending shaft 58, as in 1 , or other suitable drive mechanism including as mentioned above. The construction described so far is as mentioned above.

In the present disclosure, the noted headspace includes one or more flow path separation guides 350 for minimizing the flow of separated liquid to the outlet and directing the separated liquid to the drain. In one embodiment, the one or more flow path separation guides are provided by one or more fins 352. 23 , which extend into the air space 342 from the inner surface 338 of the side wall 336 of the housing. The fins are arcuately spaced apart along the inner surface 338 of the sidewall 336 of the housing. The fins create catching grooves 354 for catching the liquid as shown by the coalescing liquid droplets 356 . The fins are canted or canted into the flow path of liquid exiting the rotating separator filter element 326, the direction of rotation of which is shown at arrow 358. The tangential vortex flow of the liquid is seen at arrows 360 and the centrifugal centrifugal liquid flow into the collection grooves 354 is seen at arrows 362. Each fin extends from a base end 364 on the inner surface 338 of the housing sidewall 336 to a distal tip end 366 in the air plenum 342 pointing in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation 358 of the annular rotary separating filter element 326 such that the fins 352 and the inner surface 338 of the side wall 336 of the housing form a wedge-shaped hollow interior 354 in which the separated liquid 356 is collected. The fins 352 extend obliquely relative to the radial direction 340.

In one embodiment, 24 , the drain 370 is provided at a lower portion 372 of the plenum 342 and the outlet 374 is provided at an upper portion 376 of the plenum 342 . In this embodiment, the inlet 378 is provided at the bottom of the hollow interior 332 of the annular rotating separator filter element 326 . In another embodiment, the inlet, outlet and drain are as above 1 shown provided.

The fins 352 define one or more guide surfaces that guide separated liquid along a drainage direction to the drain. In one embodiment, the drainage direction is normal to radial direction 340. In another embodiment, the drainage direction is also tangent to radial direction 340. In one embodiment, fins 352 spiral down to the drain, such as in FIG 25 is shown with a plurality of closely vertically spaced fins 380 forming catching grooves 382 therebetween and spiraling downwardly around the inner periphery of the housing sidewall inner surface 338 to collect the collected coalesced liquid droplets 356 in downward in a spiraling pattern to the bottom of the plenum 342 at the lower portion 372 for drainage at the drain 370. 26 12 shows another spiral pattern of fins 384 on inner surface 338 of housing sidewall 336, with fins 384 having a greater vertical spacing than in FIG 25 and providing ridges or ramps 386 along which the liquid can spiral downward toward the lower portion 372 of the headspace 342 . In another embodiment, 27 , Spirally wound fins 384 have one or more axially extending slots 388 formed therethrough for gravity drainage of separated liquid through the respective slot. The Finns 352 out 23 may spiral along inner surface 338 of sidewall 336, or may extend axially downward in a straight line, or may have some other arcuate configuration for guiding and assisting drainage of deposited liquid thereon.

In one embodiment, the side wall of the housing tapers away from the axis of rotation 328, such as in FIG 28 can be seen on the tapered housing sidewall 336a. Sidewall 336a tapers away from annular rotary separator filter element 326 while sidewall 336a extends away from upper portion 376 of air plenum 342 and toward lower portion 372 of air plenum 342 . The one or more flowpath guides provided by the noted fins create more vortex in the airspace nearer the upper portion 376 of the airspace and less vortex in the airspace nearer the lower portion 372 of the airspace to facilitate drainage of separated liquid to the lower section 372 and from the upper section 376 so that less separated liquid is entrained in the vortex. When the separated liquid spirals down along the fins, for example, fins 384 off 26 , the cumulative liquid flow and volume of fluid at the lower portion 372 of the headspace is greater than that at the upper portion 376, and therefore it may be desirable to reduce the vortex velocity at the lower portion 372 of the headspace to entrain the larger volume of liquid present there available when this liquid spirals downwards along the fins. A typical rotational speed of the annular rotating separating filter element 326 may be approximately 3000 rpm, which provides a significant tangential velocity of the outer periphery 334 of the annular rotating separating filter element 326 and a consistent exit vortex velocity of the coalesced liquid droplets 356 as they exit the outer periphery 334 and enter the air space 342 , as well as the turbulence velocity of the remaining component or components of the mixture, such as air in the crankcase ventilation separator mentioned above, so that a considerable air turbulence velocity is also generated, which can entrain the separated liquid again. The outward taper of sidewall 336a provides increased airspace volume at lower portion 372 and thus reduced vortex velocity.

In another embodiment, the noted one or more flow path isolation guides are configured to create a tortuous path in air space 342 . In one embodiment, the one or more flow path separating guides are provided by one or more vortex flow dampers, such as 390, 29 , in the airspace. The vortex flow damper 390 is located at the top portion 376 of the air space 342. In one embodiment, a plurality of vortex flow dampers such as 390 are provided in the air space 342. FIG. In one embodiment, the vortex flow damper is adjacent the inner surface 338 of the side wall 336 of the housing. In one embodiment, the vortex flow damper is upstream of the outlet 374. In one embodiment, the vortex flow damper 390 is a vortex tube. In one embodiment, the one or more flow path separation guides for disrupting the secondary flow in the air space 342 and creating low shear recirculation zones such as 392, 25 , 394, 29 , designed to catch separated liquid.

In other embodiments, the one or more fluid path isolation guides, e.g. B. Finns 352, 380, 384, liquid-phobic, d. H. liquid repellent to aid drainage of the separated liquid. In an embodiment for use in a crankcase ventilation separator of an internal combustion engine, the mentioned one or more flow path separating ducts, e.g. B. the Finns, oleophobic.

In another embodiment, the noted one or more flow path guides are formed by a configured interior surface 338a, 30 , the side wall 336 of the housing. In one embodiment, a media layer 396 provides the noted configured interior surface of the sidewall 336 of the housing. In one embodiment, media layer 396 includes at least one fibrous media layer. In a In one embodiment, media layer 396 includes at least one fibrous nonwoven media layer. In one embodiment, the media layer 396 comprises at least one woven screen. In one embodiment, media layer 396 includes at least one wire mesh layer. In one embodiment, the media layer 396 has a constraining wrap. In one embodiment, the noted configured inner surface of the sidewall of the housing is liquid-philic, ie, it attracts liquid. This may be desirable in embodiments with or without fins 352, 380, 384 or vortex flow dampeners 390 where it is desirable to retain the separated liquid against the interior surface of the housing sidewall 336 and minimize re-entrainment in the vortex past it. The liquid attracting inner surface of sidewall 336 may be used in combination with fins such as 384 or vortex flow dampeners such as 390. For example in 26 For example, the fins 384, particularly along the ramps or ridges 386, may be liquid-phobic, while the inner surface of the sidewall therebetween, e.g. B. 338a, can be liquid-attractive. The liquid attracting inner surface 338a of the sidewall 336, which may be provided by a liquid attracting media layer 396, can be used with or without the noted fins and with or without the noted vortex flow dampeners. In an embodiment for use in a crankcase ventilation separator for an internal combustion engine, the media layer 396 is oleophilic.

In one embodiment, the disclosed rotary separator is a rotary crankcase ventilation separator for an internal combustion engine that separates oil from air in blow-by gas from the crankcase, with the inlet leading blow-by gas from the crankcase to the hollow interior 332, the outlet cleaning separated air out into the air space 342 and the drain drains separated oil from the air space 342 . In one embodiment, the fluid mixture mentioned is a gas-liquid mixture. In one embodiment, the fluid mixture mentioned is a liquid-liquid mixture with a first liquid separated from the mixture and discharged to the drain and a remaining liquid directed to the outlet. In one embodiment, the rotating separator is a fuel-water separator, the water being said first liquid and the fuel being said remaining liquid.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. No unnecessary restrictions are to be derived from this beyond the requirements of the prior art, since such terms are used for description and should be interpreted broadly. The various configurations, systems, and method steps described herein can be used alone or in combination with other configurations, systems, and method steps.

Reference List

38

inlet

42

outlet

54, 370

drain

320

rotating separator

322

separator arrangement

324

Housing

326

Ring-shaped rotating separating filter element

328

axis

330

inner circumference

332

hollow interior

336

Side wall

338

Inner surface

338a

Configured interior surface

334

outer perimeter

342

airspace

350

flow separation guides

352

fin

354

catching grooves

366

Distal tip end

372

lower section

376

upper section

390

eddy flow damper

392

recirculation zones

396

media layer

Claims (37)

A rotary separator (320) for separating liquid from a fluid mixture, the rotary separator (320) comprising: a separator assembly (322) having a housing (324), and an annular rotary separator filter element (326) rotating about an axis ( 328) rotating along an axial direction within the housing (324), the annular rotating separator filter element (326) having an inner periphery (330) of a defines a hollow interior (332) and has an outer periphery (334), the housing (324) having a sidewall (336) with an inner surface (338) facing the outer periphery (334) of the annular rotary separator filter element (326) and spaced radially outwardly along a radial direction from the annular rotary separating filter element (326) by an air space (342) therebetween, the housing (324) having an inlet (378) for supplying the mixture to the hollow interior (332), the Housing (324) having an outlet (374) for discharging a separated portion of the mixture from the headspace (342), the housing (342) having a drain (370) discharging separated liquid from the headspace (342), the Flow direction through the annular rotating separator filter element (326) from inside to outside of the hollow interior (332) through the annular rotating separator filter element (326) to the air plenum (342), the headspace (342) having one or more flow path separating guides (350) which minimize the flow of separated liquid to the outlet, the one or more flow separating guides (350) having one or more fins ( 352) extending from the inner surface (338) of the side wall (336, 336a) of the housing (324) into the air space (342), the one or more fins (352) in the flow path of the liquid emerging from the exiting the annular rotary separator filter element (326), each of the one or more fins (352) having a distal tip end (366) in the air space (342) pointing in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the annular rotary separator filter element (326). . The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 wherein the one or more flow path separation guides (350) direct separated liquid to the drain (370). The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 wherein the fins (352) are arcuately spaced apart along the inner surface (338) of the side wall (336) of the housing (324). The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 , wherein the fins (352) produce catchment grooves (354) for catchment of the liquid. The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 , each fin (352) extending from a base end (364) on the inner surface (338) of the side wall (336) of the housing (324) to the distal tip end (366) such that the fin (352) and the inner surface (338) of the side wall (336) of the housing (324) form a wedge-shaped hollow interior (354) in which separated liquid is collected. The rotating separator (320) after claim 5 , wherein the fins (352) extend obliquely relative to the radial direction. The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 wherein the one or more fins (352) define one or more guide surfaces that guide separated liquid along a discharge direction to the drain (370). The rotating separator (320) after claim 7 , where the outflow direction is normal to the radial direction. The rotating separator (320) after claim 8 , where the outflow direction is tangent to the radial direction. The rotating separator (320) after claim 9 wherein the one or more fins (352) spiral towards the drain (370). The rotating separator (320) after claim 10 wherein the one or more helically wound fins (352) have one or more axially extending slots formed therethrough for gravity drainage of separated liquid through the respective slot. The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 wherein the sidewall (336a) of the housing (324) tapers away from the axis of rotation (328). The rotating separator (320) after claim 12 , said air plenum (342) having an upper portion (376) and a lower portion (372), said lower portion (372) being below said upper portion (376) by gravity, said side wall (336a) of said housing (324 ) tapering away from the annular rotary separator filter element (326) while the sidewall (336a) extends from the upper portion (376) of the air plenum (342) to the lower portion (372) of the air plenum (342), and wherein one or more Flow path separation guides (350) include one or more fins (352) that create a stronger vortex in the air space (342) closer to the top section (376). of the air space (342) and create a lesser vortex in the air space (342) closer to the lower portion (372) of the air space (342) to facilitate drainage of the separated liquid to the lower portion (372) of the air space (342) and from away from the upper portion (376) of the air space (342) to allow less separated liquid to be entrained in the vortex. The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 wherein the one or more flow path separation guides (350) are configured to create a tortuous path in the air space (342). The rotating separator (320) after Claim 14 wherein the one or more flow path separating guides (350) comprise at least one vortex flow damper (390) in the air space (342). The rotating separator (320) after claim 15 wherein the air plenum (342) has an upper portion (376) and a lower portion (372), the lower portion (372) being gravitationally located below the upper portion (376), and wherein the vortex flow damper (390) is located on the upper portion (376) of the air space (342). The rotating separator (320) after claim 15 comprising a plurality of said vortex flow dampers (390) in said air space (342). The rotating separator (320) after claim 15 wherein the vortex flow damper (390) is adjacent the inner surface (338) of the side wall (336) of the housing (324). The rotating separator (320) after claim 15 wherein the vortex flow damper (390) is upstream of the outlet (374). The rotating separator (320) after claim 15 wherein the vortex flow damper (390) comprises a vortex tube. The rotating separator (320) after Claim 14 wherein the one or more flow path separation guides (350) are adapted to break up the secondary flow in the headspace (342) and create low shear recirculation zones (392) for collection of separated liquid. The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 wherein the one or more flow path isolation guides (350) are liquid repellent. The rotating separator (320) after Claim 22 wherein the one or more flow path isolation guides (350) are oleophobic. The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 wherein the one or more flow separating guides (350) comprise a configured inner surface (338a) of the side wall (336) of the housing (324). The rotating separator (320) after Claim 24 comprising a media layer (396) providing the configured interior surface (338a) of the sidewall (336) of the housing (342). The rotating separator (320) after Claim 25 wherein the media layer (396) comprises at least one fibrous media layer. The rotating separator (320) after Claim 25 wherein the media layer (396) comprises at least one fibrous nonwoven media layer. The rotating separator (320) after Claim 25 , wherein the media layer (396) comprises at least one woven screen. The rotating separator (320) after Claim 25 wherein the media layer (396) comprises at least one wire mesh layer. The rotating separator (320) after Claim 25 wherein the media layer (396) comprises a constraining wrap. The rotating separator (320) after Claim 24 wherein the configured inner surface (338a) of the side wall (336) of the housing (324) is liquid-philic. The rotating separator (320) after Claim 25 , wherein the media layer (396) is hydrophilic. The rotating separator (320) after Claim 32 , wherein the media layer (396) is oleophilic. The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 wherein the rotary separator (320) is a rotary crankcase ventilation separator for an internal combustion engine that separates oil from air in the blow-by gas from the crankcase, the inlet (378) transporting the blow-by gas from the crankcase to the hollow interior (332) leads, the outlet (374) being cleaned discharging separated air from the air space (342), the drain discharging separated oil from the air space (342). The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 , wherein the fluid mixture is a gas-liquid mixture. The rotating separator (320) after claim 1 wherein the fluid mixture is a liquid-liquid mixture comprising a first liquid separated from the mixture and discharged to the drain (370) and a residual liquid directed to the outlet (374). The rotating separator (320) after Claim 36 , wherein the rotating separator (320) is a fuel-water separator.

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